The Duel · Chapter
III explained
Romashov lies in his room, tormented by boredom and self-disgust.
What happens
Romashov lies in his room, tormented by boredom and self-disgust. He receives a sentimental letter from Raisa Peterson, his married lover, which he finds repulsive. He reflects on his abandoned ambitions and the dreary routine of garrison life. His servant Hainán, a Circassian, provides a moment of distraction with his peculiar story of taking the oath of allegiance. Despite resolving to stay home, Romashov feels an irresistible pull toward the Nikoläievs' house.
Themes in this chapter
Alienation and Loneliness
Romashov lies in a state of profound mental emptiness, feeling a suffocating weight on his heart and a loathing for his dreary surroundings.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Romashov's affair with Raisa Peterson, a married woman, and his disgust at her sentimental letter reveal the moral decay beneath the surface of regimental life.
Individual vs. Institution
Romashov's abandoned plans for self-improvement and his entrapment in the dull, conformist routine of the garrison illustrate the crushing effect of institutional life.
Characters to notice
- Sublieutenant Romashov
Lies on his bed in a state of mental emptiness and self-loathing, disgusted by his affair with Raisa and his failed ambitions.
- Raisa Alexandrovna Peterson
Sends Romashov a sentimental, perfumed letter demanding he visit her, which he finds tasteless and repulsive.
- Hainán
Romashov's Circassian servant, who has a familiar relationship with his master and proudly tells the story of his oath of allegiance.
- Lieutenant Nikoläiev
Mentioned as Romashov asks if there has been any message from him; his home is the object of Romashov's compulsive visits.
- Lieutenant Viätkin
Referenced as an example of officers training their servants in absurd routines, such as asking about champagne.
- Sub-Ensign Lbov
Mentioned in the context of the officers' foolish customs with their servants.
- Lieutenant Biek-Agamalov
Noted as the officer who administers oaths for Mohammedan soldiers.
- Staff-Captain Ditz
Mentioned as the officer who administers oaths for Protestants when a Lutheran pastor is unavailable.
Key passages
“He felt neither irritation nor sadness, but he was sensible of a suffocating weight on his heart, of darkness and indifference.”
Romashov felt a heavy, oppressive emptiness rather than any specific emotion.
Captures his state of emotional numbness and despair.
“It was just as if a great loathsome spider, from which he could not extricate himself, was softly groping about under his brain.”
His thoughts felt like a disgusting, inescapable spider crawling inside his mind.
Vivid metaphor for his mental torment.
“All these follies naturally arose from the dullness of that little garrison town, and the narrowness of a life from which all interests were excluded except those belonging to the service.”
The officers' silly games with their servants stemmed from the boredom and limited horizons of garrison life.
Explains the root of the absurd customs among the officers.